September Health Spotlight: Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season

September 2, 2026

Simple Ways to Help Protect Yourself and Your Family This Fall

As September arrives and we begin transitioning into fall, it’s a great time to start thinking about cold and flu season. Back-to-school schedules, busy workplaces, travel, and more time spent indoors can mean more opportunities for respiratory illnesses to spread.

At The Palms Pharmacy, we want our patients to head into the season prepared. A few simple steps can help you protect your health and know what to do when those first sniffles appear.

Cold or Flu? Know the Difference

The common cold and influenza can share symptoms, but they often feel very different.

Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually and may include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and mild fatigue.

Flu symptoms often come on more suddenly and may include fever or chills, body aches, headaches, significant fatigue, and cough. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.



Because COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms, symptoms alone may not always tell you exactly what you have.

Prevention Starts Before You Get Sick

One of the best times to prepare for flu season is before influenza begins circulating heavily in your community. Annual influenza vaccination is an important preventive measure for most people ages 6 months and older, although individual recommendations may vary.

Other everyday habits matter too:



• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Clean frequently touched surfaces. 
• Get adequate sleep and stay hydrated. 
• Avoid close contact with others when you are sick. 
• Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccines and preventive care appropriate for you.
  

Stock Your Medicine Cabinet Before You Need It

Nobody wants to make a pharmacy run when they’re already feeling miserable. September is a good time to check your home supplies.

Consider keeping commonly used items on hand, such as a thermometer, tissues, hand sanitizer, appropriate pain or fever relievers, saline nasal spray, and other cold or cough products recommended for you.

Remember: Over-the-counter doesn't automatically mean appropriate for everyone. Certain products may not be suitable if you have high blood pressure, take certain medications, are pregnant, or have other health conditions.

That's where your pharmacist can help.

Don't Wait Too Long if You Think You Have the Flu

For some patients, prescription antiviral medications may be recommended for influenza. These medicines generally work best when started early in the illness, particularly within the first couple of days after symptoms begin.



People at increased risk of complications—including older adults, young children, pregnant patients, and people with certain chronic medical conditions—should contact a healthcare professional promptly if flu symptoms develop.

Seek urgent medical attention for concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, severe weakness, confusion, dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then significantly worsen.

Your The Palms Pharmacy Team Is Here to Help

Cold and flu season doesn't have to catch you unprepared.

Whether you have questions about flu vaccination, over-the-counter symptom relief, medication interactions, prescriptions, or what products to keep at home, The Palms Pharmacy team is here to help you make informed decisions.

Prepare now. Stay informed. Take care of yourself and your family.

Visit The Palms Pharmacy this September and let our pharmacy team help you get ready for cold & flu season!